3rd July 2018
Cootamundra’s town tennis courts are currently undergoing a major upgrade, with the resurfacing of six courts, installation of four Hot Shots courts, replacement of fencing and gates, and construction of walkways between the courts.
The project has been funded by the Stronger Country Communities Fund, which is administered by Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council and is an initiative of the NSW State Government.
Operating since the mid 1940’s, the Cootamundra Tennis Club currently has over 100 members, ranging from children to people in their 70’s and 80’s. The Club holds social competitions, coaching (including Hot Shots) clinics, school sports, tournaments and the courts are available for casual hire.
Contractors from Riverina Sporting Services are currently on site, levelling the surfaces with specialist equipment and installing the new tennis commercial grade synthetic grass to the courts. The synthetic grass has been approved for club usage by the Australian Tennis Association. The synthetic grass is installed on approved tapes with outdoor grass adhesive applied to all seams and joins. The grass is then sand filled with a special dried and graded sand. The synthetic surface is guaranteed by the manufacturer for seven years.
Riverina Sporting Services (RSS) have more than 20 years’ experience and have designed and built courts and fields all over New South Wales and Victoria. The company has generously donated nets and centre straps, in a show of goodwill.
CGRC mayor Cr Abb McAlister said the upgrade was long overdue.
“Tennis is such a universal sport, we want to encourage our kids to try their hand to all sorts of sports, and the facilities at the Cootamundra Town Tennis Courts needed this upgrade. Some of the courts were unusable,” Cr McAlister said.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP, said she was pleased this was another Stronger Country Communities Fund project that will deliver benefits to the community.
“The benefits of this project reach far beyond fitness. Companionship for older members, fostering friendships and social interaction for youngsters, as well as the economic benefits to Cootamundra when the club holds inter town tournaments. This is what Stronger Country Communities is all about and I’m delighted we’ve been able to fund this fantastic project,” Ms Cooke said.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council deputy mayor Cr Dennis Palmer and general manager Mr Allen Dwyer inspected the courts today. Cr Palmer said this upgrade will make the tennis complex a first rate facility.
“ It’s a wonderful project, and will encourage juniors and seniors alike to either take up tennis as a sport or continue to grow their tennis experience. Cootamundra can be proud of all our sporting facilities, they are all first class,” Cr Palmer said.
“The team here are doing a great job, and we thank them sincerely for their generous donation,” Cr Palmer added.
Photo and caption:
Riverina Sporting Services Kerry Watson (left), CGRC GM Allen Dwyer and CGRC deputy mayor Cr Dennis Palmer at the Cootamundra Tennis complex today. Councillor Palmer expressed his appreciation to Mr Watson on the company’s generous donation of nets and centre straps for the new courts.